Coaches have the ability and power to inspire and create runners. As role models to young and inexperienced runners, their wisdom can lead to lifelong changes, and a love for running and competition.

After almost 30 years of coaching, Greg Cotton will retire from his positions as a teacher and a cross country and track head coach at Grant. Although coach Cotton's retirement has left some of his runners anxious and nervous about being coached by a new person, his successor, Geoff Henderson, is more than qualified to help the Generals' cross country team reach their highest goals.

Not many Grant students can function during first period, but on Tuesdays and Thursdays a group of 16 dedicated Grantonians meets at the Willamette River at 6 am for Dragon Boat practice.

Grant's team, the GHS Pirates, which competes in the high school division of the Rose Festival's Dragon Boat Races, has been around since about five years ago, when former Grant student Paul Breithaupt approached John and Annie Tejada, who founded the Kai Ikaika team in 2000, and convinced them to coach.

"We had him pegged as the top pitcher in the PIL," said senior Travis Brisbane of Franklin high school's baseball team, referring to Grant's senior pitcher Taylor Volz. Volz now is out for the season after breaking his ankle just two weeks into the season. Now, the pitching responsibilities will be left up to juniors Michael Fendall and Jerrell Young and sophomore Alec Johnson. Although the pitching staff is well manned, Volz will be missed among them. "Taylor knew how to keep hitters off balance," said senior catcher Bryan Butcher.

It was the first game of the year, and Grant was looking for validation. Grant was facing perennial power Jesuit at home, intent on proving that their #1 ranking statewide was no fluke. Both teams started slow, but after several possessions Grant's Mike James got loose on a fast brake. James, a 6 foot 1 inch guard, threw down a powerful one-handed dunk that fired up his teammates and fans alike. Grant went on to win 60-47, setting the tone for what they hoped to be a special season.